Wizards vs Hawks October 30th 2024
At 7:00 ET, the Washington Wizards (1-2) will host the Atlanta Hawks (2-2) in a Southeast Division matchup. The Hawks are favored by 4.5 points and the over/under line is set at 235.
This game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington and can be seen on MNMT.
Hawks vs. Wizards Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Atlanta Hawks at Washington Wizards
- Where: Washington at Capital One Arena
- Date: Wednesday, October 30th
- Betting Odds ATL -4.5, ATL -191 | WAS +160 O/U 235
The Hawks Can Win If…
The Hawks fell to 2-2 on the season after a 121-119 loss to the Wizards on Monday. Atlanta, favored by 7.5 points at home, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 240, going over the pre-game line of 235.5.
Atlanta started strong, going on a 13-0 run early, but couldn’t hold onto the momentum. They led 61-54 at halftime but were outscored 30-22 in the third quarter. Despite a close 4th quarter, where the Wizards edged them 37-36, the Hawks couldn’t pull off the win.
Jalen Johnson’s 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists led the Hawks in their 121-119 loss to the Wizards. Johnson shot 64.7% from the field, while Clint Capela was perfect from the floor, adding 16 points.
The Hawks hit 15 threes at a 37.5% clip, with Larry Nance Jr. contributing 3 triples and 15 points. Johnson scored 10 points in the 4th quarter, with Trae Young and Nance adding 5 each.
Defensively, the Hawks struggled in the 4th quarter, giving up 37 points in their 121-119 loss to the Wizards. They allowed 25 points in the 1st quarter, 29 in the 2nd, and 30 in the 3rd. Overall, the Wizards shot 45% from the field.
The Hawks had trouble defending the three, as the Wizards hit 21 threes at a 47% clip. Atlanta also sent Washington to the line 22 times, where they made 18 free throws. The Hawks finished with 33 defensive rebounds, allowing 9 offensive boards, and recorded 12 steals and 7 blocks.
- Through their last three road games, Atlanta has an ATS record of just 0-3. However, their overall record was 0-3 while averaging 111 points per game.
- Although the Hawks have a strong straight up record in their last five games as the betting favorite, they have not done as well vs the spread going 0-5.
- Over their last five games, the Hawks have an over/under record of 5-0 and are 0-5 vs. the spread.
The Wizards Can Win If…
The Wizards picked up their first win of the season on Monday, edging out the Hawks 121-119 on the road. Washington, now 1-2, entered the game as +7.5 point underdogs and covered the spread with the victory. The total score of 240 points went over the pre-game line of 235.5.
Atlanta jumped out to a 16-2 lead with a 13-0 run early on, but Washington fought back. After trailing 61-54 at halftime, the Wizards took control in the 3rd quarter, outscoring the Hawks 30-22. They held a narrow 84-83 lead going into the 4th and managed to outscore Atlanta 37-36 in the final period to secure the win.
Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists in their 121-119 loss to the Wizards, shooting 64.7% from the field. Clint Capela was perfect from the floor, scoring 16 points, while Larry Nance Jr. added 15 points, hitting 3 threes at 60% efficiency.
The Hawks made 15 threes, shooting 37.5% from deep and 48.1% overall. Johnson scored 10 points in the 4th quarter, while Nance and Capela each added 5 points in the final period.
Even with a shaky 4th quarter where they allowed 36 points, the Wizards held on to win against the Hawks, despite giving up 119 points. Washington’s defense was at its best in the 3rd quarter, limiting Atlanta to just 22 points. Overall, the Wizards allowed the Hawks to shoot 48% from the field.
From beyond the arc, the Wizards gave up 15 threes at a 37% clip. They also sent the Hawks to the line 36 times, where Atlanta made 26 free throws. Washington finished with 34 defensive rebounds, allowing 6 offensive boards, and recorded 7 steals and 3 blocks.
- Through their last ten home contests, the Wizards offense has averaged 113 points per game while allowing an average of 122. Washington posted an overall record of 3-7 while going 4-5-1 ATS.
- Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Wizards have a straight up record of 2-8. But, their mark vs the spread was just 5-4-1.
- In their last three games, the Wizards have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 0-3 vs. the spread.
The Lean
As the underdogs with a spread of +4.5, we recommend going with the Wizards on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 235, and our model projects the Hawks and Wizards to reach a combined total of 247 points. Our bet is on taking the over.
NBA Basketball picks for Today
Hawks Seek Redemption Against Wizards as Top Rookies Clash Again
The NBA’s two top draft picks, Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks and Alex Sarr of the Washington Wizards, are set to meet for the second time in three days this Wednesday. Following an intense 121-119 victory for Washington on Monday, fans are eager to see how the young players and their teams will respond in this early-season rematch.
Rising Stars Face Off: Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr
Atlanta’s Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick, faced a tough debut against Washington, scoring just four points on 1-for-8 shooting. The 19-year-old forward, standing at 6-foot-9, is adjusting to the NBA, averaging 7.3 points and 2.5 rebounds across four games. While his start has been slower than anticipated, Risacher’s potential remains high, and the Hawks expect growth as he adapts to the league’s competitive pace and physicality.
On the other side, Washington’s No. 2 pick, Alex Sarr, had a more impactful game with seven points, nine rebounds, and two blocks. The 7-foot center, also 19, is currently averaging seven points and 6.7 rebounds per game. His defensive abilities and rebounding show promise for a Wizards team that is looking to revamp after a challenging 15-67 season last year.
Veteran Presence Leads Washington’s First Win
In Monday’s game, Washington’s veterans took control in the final minutes to secure a morale-boosting win. Jordan Poole stepped up with a decisive three-pointer and several clutch free throws to close the game, ultimately finishing with 26 points. Kyle Kuzma added 25 points, demonstrating the value of veteran leadership in guiding a young team toward competitive play.
Poole’s contributions highlight his role as a stabilizing force for Washington. “I was just trying to find ways to keep our team composed,” he said. “Tonight was a really big win for us, really big for our morale. We were able to stay connected, offensively and defensively.” The win was also a significant milestone for Brian Keefe, who took over as head coach midway through last season and recently saw his interim tag removed.
However, Kyle Kuzma will miss Wednesday’s game due to a groin injury, leaving Washington without one of its primary scoring options. This could provide Risacher and the Hawks an opportunity to even the score.
Atlanta Hawks’ Depth Tested by Injuries
The Hawks, currently dealing with multiple injuries, are testing their roster’s depth early in the season. Bogdan Bogdanovic is out for a month following a hamstring procedure. He has only played in the season opener and is expected to be re-evaluated in four weeks. De’Andre Hunter missed Monday’s game due to a knee issue and remains questionable for the rematch. Additionally, Dyson Daniels (hip) and Vit Krejci (adductor strain) are sidelined.
Coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the strain on the team but emphasized a “next man up” mentality. “We can’t control those things. The biggest thing we can try to do is execute in the things that we can. The guys that we do have need to be ready to go,” Snyder remarked.
Jalen Johnson Steps Up for Atlanta
Amidst the challenges, Jalen Johnson has emerged as a critical player for Atlanta. The fourth-year forward, who signed a five-year, $150 million contract following a breakout 2022-23 season, delivered a stellar performance with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists on Monday. Johnson’s athleticism and playmaking were key for the Hawks, and Snyder praised his ability to find “a real rhythm” during the game.
For the season, Johnson is averaging 15.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4 assists, underscoring his importance in the Hawks’ strategy. With Bogdanovic and Hunter sidelined, Johnson’s role becomes even more pivotal as Atlanta looks to develop a cohesive and resilient team despite limited roster depth.
Key Takeaways and Outlook
Both teams come into Wednesday’s game with something to prove. For the Washington Wizards, consistency and defensive intensity will be crucial as they attempt to secure a second consecutive victory without Kuzma. Sarr’s continued development alongside Poole’s leadership will be key factors.
The Atlanta Hawks, meanwhile, are eager to bounce back and earn their revenge. Risacher has a chance to prove his value as the top pick, while Jalen Johnson’s growth into a leading role offers hope despite the injuries impacting the Hawks’ lineup. This matchup offers both teams an early test of resilience as they navigate young rosters, new roles, and the inevitable challenges of an 82-game season.
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